PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985, AT 5:00 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD WHITEHEAD THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Council Chairperson Sydney Fonnesbeck presided at the meeting.
BRIEFING SESSION
#1. Carole Stokes, council executive director, briefed the Council on the evening’s agenda, distributing copies of the proposed Library Budget. Max Peterson, city engineer, briefed the Council on two SIDs before the Council that evening. Ms. Stokes reviewed the Council’s schedule including a change in the date of the picnic to honor members of the boards and commissions, from June 19 to June 21, and a dinner party hosted by the administration to be held on the City and County Building scaffolding on the evening of June 6 in order to update the Council on progress made in the restoration of the City and County Building.
The briefing session adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985, AT 6:00 P.M. IN ROOM 301 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Mayor Ted L. Wilson, Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, Roger Cutler, city attorney, Doc Kivett and Margaret Mitchell, deputy recorders, were present.
Council Chairperson Fonnesbeck presided at the meeting and Councilmember Kirk conducted the meeting.
Police Chaplain Donald P. Goodhart gave the invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, May 14, 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 85-1)
Special Recognition
#1. Councilmember Kirk said that the Council wanted to recognize two City employees who will receive awards from the Utah Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Charles Call Jr., city drainage engineer, will receive an award of merit in recognition of his work during the 1983 and 1984 floods. John Naser, streets engineer, will receive the Public Works Employee’s Award in recognition of outstanding service during 1984. The Council extended congratulations and applauded their fine work.
#2. Councilmember Kirk read the names of the members of the Salt Lake Area Community Council’s Budget Committee. Councilmember Godfrey read the resolution of appreciation to the Budget Committee for their review of the 1985-86 budget.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to adopt Resolution 56 of 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(R 85-1)
#3. Councilmember Fonnesbeck read a resolution of appreciation to be presented to the U.S. Navy proclaiming May 22, 1985 “U.S.S. Salt Lake City Day” in Salt Lake City.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 55 of 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(R 85-1)
PETITIONS
Petition 400-252 of 1984 by Richard & Lynn Doi.
RE: Vacating an alley located between Dearborn Street and 1500 East from Parkway Avenue to Stratford Avenue.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, June 11, 1985, to discuss this petition, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 85-67)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
#1. RE: An interlocal cooperation agreement with Utah Department of Transportation for materials testing.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 57 of 1985 authorizing the execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with Utah Department of Transportation whereby the Utah Department of Transportation will perform viscosity, ductility, penetration and flash point tests on bituminous materials, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(C 85-201)
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: “Water Assist” Program.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the allocation of $2,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 10th Year Operating Contingency Funds to initiate a “Water Assist” Program to assist the elderly and handicapped with payment of water and sewer bills, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 85-12)
#2. RE: Budget revision for Sunnyside Park Drainage Project.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to suspend the rules and approve on first reading an increase by $45,000 (County Flood Control Funds) to the budget for the Capital Improvements Program Sunnyside Park Drainage Project, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 85-7)
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
#1. RE: Library Budget for Fiscal Year 1985-86.
Councilmember Fonnsebeck moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to accept for public display the Fiscal Year 1985-86 budget for the Salt Lake City Public Library, and schedule a public hearing on the budget for June 4, 1985, at 7:00 p.m., which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 85-6)
#2. RE: $25,000,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series 1985.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to suspend the rules and adopt on first reading Resolution 58 of 1985 authorizing the issuance, confirming the sale, authorizing the use and delivery of a Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement in connection with the $25,000,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series 1985, of Salt Lake City, Utah and the form of the note and related matters, accepting the Ehrlich Bober and Co., Inc. proposal by approving a note purchase agreement, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 85-5)
PUBLIC UTILITIES
#1. RE: Bids for construction of Project No. 50-1296, Indiana Avenue, 1840 West to Delong Street, Sewer Improvement District.
Bids were received from Bounder Construction, J & M Construction, Lloyd Brothers Construction and Noland & Son Construction (the bid amounts are on file in the Office of the City Recorder). Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, read the bids and recommended that they be referred to Public Utilities.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to refer the bids to Public Utilities for tabulation and recommendation, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 85-4)
PUBLIC WORKS
#1. Special Improvement District 38-685, Phase I, 1700 South, 300 West to 700 West.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt Resolution 60 of 1985, awarding the construction contract to Geneva Rock Products for construction of improvements of Salt Lake City Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-685, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 85-1)
#2. Special Improvement District 38-750, non-contiguous streets.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 59 of 1985, awarding the construction contract to Geneva Rock Products for construction of improvements of Salt Lake City Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-750 (non-contiguous streets) and to remove a portion of Colmar Drive from the District, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 84-1)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tentative Budget, 1985/86.
RE: Public comment concerning the Mayor’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 1985-86, including the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds.
A public hearing was held a 6:15 p.m. to obtain public comment on the budget. Lloyd Selgendorf, 728 South 10th East, state chairman of the Heritage Tree Commission and member of Salt Lake City Tree Watch, said he was very upset because there is no consideration in the proposed budget for an urban forester. He said the City needs an urban forester and an urban environmental board to establish a management plan for its $105 million resource. He said the plan should include a computer inventory for responsible handling rather than crisis basis response. Seigendorf said that the 1984 snow storm did $620,000 damage to trees. He said that if the trees had been pruned properly the bill could have been minimized. He also said that a forester is needed to establish and enforce specifications and standards with landscape and tree trimming companies. Mr. Seigendorf said that 30% of the trees recently installed in Sugarhouse have to be replaced and the $94,000 contract with Diamond Tree is vague. He said that Diamond had not done the required tree trimming and the locations they had trimmed were not provided to the City by the company.
Mr. Seigendorf recommended that 1) the City hire an urban forester rather than fill the vacant landscape architect position; 2) place the shade tree department under Development Services; 3) establish an urban environmental board (no cost); and 4) use Capital Improvement slippage money for the program. Mr. Seigendorf said that this concept has been endorsed by the Deseret News, the Tribune, KSL, SLACC, the division of forestry and hundreds of citizens.
Hermoine Jex, 272 Wall Street, said that she was disappointed because she thought that an urban forester was going to be hired and an environmental board established. She said SLACC had supported this 100%, and it had been promised that the trees on South Temple would be saved. She said there is a definite lack of control of the trees. She said that the trees are a basic reason for tourism and all efforts should be made to establish the urban environment board.
Jack Olsen, Utah Taxpayers Association, commended the City for decreasing the general fund operating levy by .31 mills. He said, however, that the property tax mill rate is only one part of the two part property tax formula. Mr. Olsen discussed the history of property taxes for the past five years. He said that property taxes have increased 75% in the past five years because of the mill levy and higher assessed valuations. Mr. Olsen said that in the next budget year the City property tax income will jump $4.5 million from $19 to $23.5 million. He said that $2.4 million will come from higher assessed valuation and future property tax increases are built into this budget.
Mr. Olsen said unless programs are cut and other funds are found, it means an automatic property tax increase of about .75 mills over the next three years. He said the budget allows for 53 new employees and he wanted to know what the cost would be for these new hires. He said that this would be the largest increase in three or four years. Mr. Haines said that 29 positions would be from general fund, most at the airport because of the new concourse, at a cost of $650,000 total from general fund. Mr. Olsen said that taxes of all types, indirect and direct, take about 42% of our income and asked that the City be sensitive to the burden borne by the taxpayer.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to refer the comments on the budget to the Committee of the Whole for review, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 85-5)
Compensation of City Officers & Employees
RE: Public comment concerning adoption of an ordinance amending Section 25-1-1 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as last amended by Bill No. 41 of 1984, relating to compensation of city officers and employees, including salaries of statutory and elected officials.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to obtain public comment on this issue. Mr. Haines said that salaries of statutory officers must be adjusted through the hearing process. He said that a 4% salary increase is proposed for statutory officers (city attorney, city engineer, city treasurer and city recorder) in context with all other appointed City employees. Jack Olsen, Utah Tax Payers Association, said that his organization would support the 4% salary increase for statutory officers.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to refer the comments on salary adjustment for statutory employees to the Committee of the Whole, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-11)
Sewer Charges
RE: Public comment concerning an ordinance amending Section 37-6-2, Schedule 3 Rates, of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to decreasing of sewer charges.
A public hearing was held at 6:45 p.m. to obtain public comment on this issue. LeRoy Hooton, public utilities director, distributed an information sheet (on file in the Office of the City Recorder). Mr. Hooton presented background information on the sewer plant and outlined some of the steps that were taken which included the 201 Facilities Study. Mr. Hooton said that changes in the 201 Facilities plan allow the decrease in the sewer rates. He recommended a 17% decrease effective January 1, 1986 from $1.08 to $0.90 per 100 cubic feet.
Marvin Tuddenham, Public Utilities Advisory Board member, said that he was involved with the 201 Advisory Board and the initial plan recommended raises in stages. He said that careful analysis had determined the recommended reduction. He said that this does not preclude additional raises in the future if needed. Mr. Tuddenham said even before the recommended decrease that Salt Lake City had lower connection and user fees than others in the valley and Salt Lake City patrons were receiving the best service for their money. He said he was pleased to pass on the recommendation for a reduction. B.T. Price, Salt Lake City, felt that the reduction should be 50% and that public utilities should be audited.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to refer this item to Committee of the Whole, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-12)
1992 Winter Olympic Games
RE: Public comment concerning the possible bid by Salt Lake City for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games.
A public hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. to obtain public comment concerning the possible bid. Councilmember Fonnesbeck outlined the Council’s statement regarding the public hearing (on file in the Office of the City Recorder). She said the purpose of the hearing was to gather philosophical ideas as to whether or not Salt Lake City should host this event. She indicated that technical aspects should be addressed at the Feasibility Committee hearings.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the Council has set a number of conditions if the bid process continues, including a City-wide referendum this fall, questions about the financial responsibility being borne by the private sector before being borne by the Utah taxpayers, the impact of canyon development, the City’s only water source from Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, public input for Organizing Committee membership, etc.
The following citizens supported the bid for the 1992/96 Winter Olympic Games: Cohn Jackson (Snowbird) Tom Jackson, L. J. Neilsen Ernest Miller, A. J. Bud Limb LeVan LeSieur, David Eckhoff Ray Kingston, Bart Lower David Carter, David Gillette (Organizing Comm.) Ione Tippets, Neil Richardson, Joanne Milner, Betty Jo Fullmer (U of U student), Donald P. Goodhart, Michelle Thompson, Terry Holbrook, Craig Zwick. Comments were made about this being the greatest single event ever held in this state. Supporters pointed out the possible revenues from national television coverage and tourism.
Most supporters felt that since the event will only last 17 days, and the winter games don’t attract the large crowds like the summer games do, that there would be no impact on the water quality. The supporters also felt the publicity would be good for the City and bring future tourism and revenues. They felt that community benefits should be paid with public funds, however, the event should be structured so the tax impact will be minimal and funding should come from the private sector first. It was pointed out that the past sites of winter olympic games have received great benefit and were not negatively impacted environmentally. Several speakers pointed out that development would and should be done regardless of the games and that the bid is only for the games. Mr. Kingston supported the games on the condition that no public funds be spent and Mr. Carter supported the games provided that no tunnel, for transportation purposes, be built. Mr. Eckhoff submitted a chart indicating how the water quality has improved in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
The following citizens opposed the bid for the 1992/96 Winter Olympic Games: Hermoine Jex (SLACC), Chris Swanson, G. N. Kirby, Jean Binyon (Sierra Club), Alexis Kelner, Walter Katzenberger, Evy Tessman (Libertarian Party), Michael Budig (Wasatch Mtn. Club), Glenn Casey, Bernice Cook, Dr. Claron Nelson, Raymond Boice, Maevonne Moench, Gale Dick, Lee Coller (U of U student), Kirk Thomas, Doug Hunter, Sam Taylor (State Legislature), Jim Nicol, Howard Garber, Gary McMillan, Brian Beard, Thomas Noll, Barbara Turner, Chuck Reichmuth, Stephen McKague, Roberta Elder, Jay Lepreau, Michelle Perkins, Mary Relling, Richard Steiner, Nancy Sumsion, Bernice Ege, Nola Anderton, Kenneth Dougherty, Charles Gore, Paul Hill, Nils Abramson, Patricia Tertocha, Hal Gribble, Bill Delaney, Jerry Tertocha, Lynn Watson, Dorothy Clawson, Richard Clawson, Norma Amodt, Ann Wechsler, Bette Boice, Phillip Floor, Ann Evans, Bob Evans, Donna Wahoff-Stice, Ruth Katzenberger, Dwight Butler, Wick Miller, Sue Nicholson, Andy White, Dana Maack, Pricilla Sue Anderson, Shirley Blanton, Lynn Jorde, Marianna Young, Jane Arhart, Stefanie Colvin, David Nelson, Alan Wickham, H.B. Hadley, Riley Cutler, Charles Butler, Mark Wariakais, Dana Jackson, Tom Jackson, Elizabeth Morris, Make Morris, James Lund Charlie Sturgin, E.B. Homer, Robert Steiner, Jo Redgrave, Lewis Collins, Mark Bloomenthal, Karl Mudge, Cindy Cromer, Liza Hang, C.T. O’Connor, Barry Topham (United Assoc. of Community Councils).
Most opposed the Olympics because of social, economic and environmental concerns. They questioned who would make the choice of sites, would they make the best choices for the community, and who would take ownership of the facilities afterwards. Most people had concerns about development in the canyons and felt the congestion and development would have serious effects on the water quality. It was felt that Salt Lake City does not have a large enough tax base to support this event and felt that money should come from the private sector not the public. It was also felt that the ski resorts would benefit not Utah.
(NOTE: The addresses of the citizens who spoke are on file in the Office of the City Recorder.) Thomas Noll indicated that the costs at Squaw Valley, Calgary, and New York were four to ten times any revenues from the games. Dr. Claron Nelson said that the economic formula used in the feasibility study was incorrect and that the cost would be at least double the estimates. Dr. Nelson submitted a written statement for the record as did Hermoine Jex from SLACC Land Use Committee. Janet Geyser, Peoples Olympic Evaluation Committee, took no position. She said they have been working on this for several months and they feel very good about the process. She said they submitted 15 concerns to the Feasibility Committee and have received feedback on most of the items. The majority of speakers, pro and con, felt that either a statewide or Wasatch Front referendum was called for to decide the issue. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that the Council would accept written comments until June 3, 1985, at which time they will determine whether or not to proceed with the bid process.
Mayor Wilson thanked the audience for their response, and pointed out that the question of feasibility had been answered positively by the Feasibility Study. He said the question now is the desirability. Mayor Wilson also pointed out that any development of the canyons would be a separate issue and the Olympic Organizing Committee was looking at Salt Lake without development in mind. Mayor Wilson also said that the prospect of the Olympics at least has made people focus on the canyons. Mayor Wilson indicated that he would submit a letter to the Council. Councilmember Kirk also thanked people for attending the hearing and indicated that copies of the feasibility study are available at the libraries.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Parker second to close the hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to refer the comments on the Olympics bid to the Committee of the Whole, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(G 85-13)
CITIZEN COMMENTS
#1. Eugene Geertsen, Salt Lake City, said that he and several of his neighbors found it necessary to call the police Saturday night due to a disturbance (a noisy party). He said he personally had made three telephone calls and had received no response, because the noise continued until 1:30 a.m. He said that there should be better surveillance and response time from the police. He also relayed another incident in which his friend was robbed in Cross Roads Mall and was questioned by the police as if he were a suspect. Mayor Wilson explained that the officers handle very dangerous calls frequently and he felt that the officers work hard and are the best caliber ever in human sensitivity situations.
#2. Virginia Lee, 1458 Princeton Avenue, said that she was looking forward to an ordinance to take care of trees. She indicated that the City cannot spray the trees and she is going to have to hire a contractor. She said she intends to submit a bill to the City requesting reimbursement. She strongly urged the passage of an ordinance and the hiring of an urban forester. Mayor Wilson explained that it would cost $400,000 to $500,000 to care for the trees. He said the City cannot afford this presently and it would be pointless to hire an urban forester with no funds to operate. He recommended that a review board be established to make recommendations for this program next year. Ms. Lee said that she would be willing to be a member of this board and was told that it would be established sometime after July first.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.